Data Recovery Software for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 Data: How to Choose the Right Tool

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Buffalo often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 device to minimize data loss risks:

1. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): The NAS device should support RAID configurations, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6. These configurations provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives.
2. Hot-Swappable Drives: The NAS device should have hot-swappable drive bays, allowing you to replace a failed drive without shutting down the system. This minimizes downtime and reduces the risk of data loss.
3. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Ensure that the NAS device has built-in backup and disaster recovery features. This includes options for scheduled backups, remote replication, and cloud backup integration. Regularly backing up your data to an external storage device or offsite location is crucial in minimizing data loss risks.
4. Power Protection: Consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect the NAS device from power surges, outages, and voltage fluctuations. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss, and a UPS can provide temporary power during such events, allowing the NAS to shut down properly.
5. Network Security: The NAS device should have robust security features, including user authentication, access controls, and encryption. This helps protect your data from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
6. Firmware Updates: Regularly update the NAS device's firmware to ensure it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. Outdated firmware can have vulnerabilities that may lead to data loss risks.
7. Monitoring and Notifications: Choose a NAS device that provides monitoring tools and notifications for disk health, system status, and other critical events. This allows you to proactively address any potential issues before they lead to data loss.
8. Data Integrity Checks: Some NAS devices offer data integrity checks, such as periodic scrubbing or checksum verification. These features help identify and repair any data corruption issues, reducing the risk of data loss.
9. Quality and Reliability: Consider the reputation and reliability of the NAS device manufacturer. Read reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources to ensure you choose a reliable device that minimizes the risk of hardware failures and subsequent data loss.

Remember, while NAS devices can help minimize data loss risks, it is always recommended to have an additional backup solution in place, such as cloud storage or an offline backup, for added redundancy and protection.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation TS5410RN2404 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

   WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS5410RN2404 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
• NTFS / ReFS;
• APFS / HFS+;
• Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
• VMFS / HikvisionFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
• User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

   

4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison